Chapter 8

Eren wakes up feeling groggy as usual. His stomach growls as he hears the sound of pots clanging. Erwin comes out from the kitchen wearing a pair of sweatpants and a black shirt. He glances at the clock. 12:30 in the morning.

"Morning brat. Breakfast will probably be ready by the time you wake up, he says softly.

Is it already past twelve? Eren mumbles tiredly. Erwin nods and goes back into the kitchen, shutting the door behind him.

Eren pushes himself up, yawning loudly. He stretches his limbs a few times before walking toward the bathroom to start his morning routine. Once he's changed into something more presentable (and clean), he heads downstairs and starts to dig into the food on the table.

There aren't many different types of foods, so he finds a bowlful of fruits for breakfast, along with a carton of orange juice. He picks up his fork and begins eating.

When the food is finally gone, he puts his dishes in the sink and goes over to grab his bag from where he left it on the countertop before heading for the door.

Eren looks through the front window to see a car parked outside. There's no mistaking it. That's Erwin's car. The brunet sighs as he steps closer to the window.

I thought you'd be home late, he calls.

My boss was sick today. He answered. She asked me to cover the shift so she could stay home and take care of my family. It'll be here in about 15 minutes.

Are you sure you want me to meet your boss? Levi asks in annoyance.

I don't trust anyone else to deal with this shit, Erwin replies. It's fine if you wanna bail now. Just go. 

Fine. Levi grumbles.

Then he unlocks the door and steps outside.

He makes his way towards the passenger side and stops in front of the driver's seat, watching as the man pulls out his keys, unlocks it, and gets out of his car. He looks up at the sky, observing the dark clouds that loom above.

Levi doesn't recognize this man at first, because he has short blonde hair and blue eyes. As soon as Levi notices the familiar brown trenchcoat, however, his face instantly flushes with pinkness. This man is Eren's boss!

Erwin looks at Levi in confusion, wondering why the blonde is blushing. Is there something wrong? He looks around in case anyone's watching, then leans forwards and speaks in a low voice.

Your boss. Your ex... She... Uh… Erwin trails off uncertainly. Does she work at the same company as Levi?

Yeah. The blond answers cautiously.

How long have you been seeing each other? Erwin raises an eyebrow, trying to read the situation carefully. Is everything alright between you two?

Not really, but I suppose there's nothing to be done anymore. Levi crosses his arms. I don't think I can leave him. He looks up at Erwin guiltily, pleading silently with those bright blue eyes of his.

Then you should tell him. Erwin replies. Tell your boyfriend that you don't love him anymore. Tell him that you love someone else. Levi looks shocked. What do you mean?

That girl that used to work at your office? Erwin elaborates.

Oh. That one. Levi mutters. I... I haven't told her about him yet. She doesn't seem like the jealous type. She might not react negatively even if I did. He looks down at his shoes, biting his lip.

Then why not say something to her? Erwin insists, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Because he wouldn't understand. Levi's head shoots up as his cheeks blush red. How could you say something like that?! He glares at Erwin. Who said that about Eren?

Erwin raises both of his hands in mock surrender. I didn't say anything! I merely suggested.

Then tell me what you meant when you said that he wouldn't understand! 

Well, you clearly don't know him very well if you think he would take your words lying down! Erwin exclaims.

So what? Levi retorts stubbornly.

You clearly still don't get it, do you? Erwin sighs. How would I know if you're gonna tell her anyway? You don't even know if she'll believe you! He looks down and rubs the back of his neck. Do you have any idea how complicated things can become once you make a serious commitment?

No... Levi confesses sadly. Erwin frowns. You have to understand what I'm trying to say. Eren means the world to you. You can't let him be alone.

If he loves you that much, he shouldn't be alone. Levi mumbles.

And yet, you don't even try telling him. Don't you remember what happened last week when you were drunk?

Yes. Levi clenches his jaw. So? I've had a lot of alcohol at that time. And you never told me about your meeting with your ex. He glares at the blond, angry that he kept all this information from him. I thought I was supposed to tell you everything!

Then do you plan on hiding this kind of thing forever? Why can't you just tell him that you've decided to stop pursuing this relationship? Erwin asks angrily.

That would only hurt him more! Levi scowls.

You won't be hurting him if you end it. Erwin insists. I promise he won't be upset, even if you break his heart. He'll understand. You love him too, right? He asks hopefully.

Of course, I do, Levi snaps, glaring at Erwin. But this is a huge step forward and I'm afraid it could destroy our friendship.

It's not too late to turn back. 

We can't change the past, Erwin. Can we?

Levi shakes his head and climbs into the passenger seat. Erwin looks at him questioningly. Are you going to sit in silence the whole way there? Or are you planning on saying goodbye?

The blonde pauses and thinks it over. I guess I could say that I've finished my job and I'm going home now. Levi says reluctantly.

You'd better hurry. Eren's waiting, Erwin teases gently.

Shut up. Levi rolls his eyes, looking out the window in a vain attempt to hide his embarrassment.

A faint smile creeps up the corner of Erwin's lips. Maybe someday Levi will realize that Eren isn't worth it, that he doesn't need him. But until then, I'll make damn sure that Eren knows.

I hope you're right, Erwin. He sighs, knowing that Erwin's right.

Bye, Hanji. Levi hangs up and throws his phone down on the couch next to him. He turns to look out the window, gazing aimlessly ahead of him at the endless fields of white snow that lay in the distance.

As soon as they reach the town centre, he hops out of the car and opens Levi's door for him.

Eren looks up in surprise and blushes. Thanks. He smiles.

Levi nods in response and holds the door open while Eren steps out of the vehicle.

They walk across the street together to the small cafe which is situated between a bakery and a book store. They're currently closed for the night due to the cold weather. However, lights are burning behind the windows indicating that somebody is inside.

As they enter the shop, they are greeted with warmth. There's a small round table right by the door, set for three people. The walls are painted with warm colours and pictures of various animals decorate them. On the wall opposite the entryway are several posters, some showing a cat being chased by a dog, and others displaying famous singers or bands. A large clock rests atop the counter.

"Good evening, sir," a waitress greets them with a smile. Do you need help carrying anything? she asks, glancing at Levi's suitcase.

Just a cup of coffee, thanks, he answers.

Alright, She gives them both a sympathetic smile. Then she heads over to the register and starts making the drink.

Levi walks over to the table and sits down. He reaches into his pocket, feeling the object that is concealed beneath it.

You don't have to do that, you know. Eren chuckles softly. Levi lets out a soft chuckle and pulls the item out. He unfolds it and places it on the table. It's a simple piece of paper, decorated by an artist who made their logo. Inside it, Eren has scribbled out a few sentences.

Please don't waste your time on me. 

I don't know what you expect me to do though, Levi responds sarcastically.

What do you want to do? Erwin's voice comes from his pocket.

Don't answer that, Erwin! Levi snarls. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. I don't know yet, but I can feel it in my gut that you're right. He stares at Eren intently, his expression is serious. Eren's lips curl upwards ever so slightly. Well, don't just sit there, go ahead! 

He points his finger at Levi accusingly. Go tell him yourself! If not before tomorrow, I'm sending you to another part of the country!

Levi stands up abruptly, startling Eren slightly. I'll try. He grabs his suitcase and exits the shop, leaving Eren dumbfounded.

Did that guy get into an accident? Erwin asks, glancing out the window. Levi stops walking, his footsteps freezing on the ground. He slowly turns around and stares at Erwin with wide eyes, his mouth hanging slightly agape, unable to form any sound. What... What do you mean.. Did he...? He trails off, struggling to finish his sentence.

Erwin nods in confirmation. He knows that Levi is probably thinking about a way out. Levi clenches his fists tightly and clenches his jaw hard, trying to suppress his anger. This bastard.

His gaze lands on his suitcase resting under one arm. He picks it up and starts walking towards the train station where it'll take him away from his life.

"Eren." A familiar voice calls behind him.

He continues walking without looking back, clutching his suitcase tighter against his chest.

Why are you doing this Eren?

"Eren!" The voice repeats.

Stop talking already. He finally speaks, turning his head sharply to glare at Eren, who stops walking as well.

This must be what it feels like for Hanji. To suddenly lose someone that you care about because they weren't able to see eye to eye and didn't get along in the first place. 

She sighs and runs her fingers through her messy hair, closing her eyes tightly. We don't deserve to be happy... We really don't, do we? She glances sideways at him. Eren stares at the floor. No. we don't.

"Hey." A female voice calls out as they cross the street. Are you coming?

Eren turns his face towards the woman. She appears to be around the same age as Hanji and is wearing a green winter coat and black stockings. Her short brunette hair is tied back into a bun, and she carries a large black bag on her shoulder.

Do I know her? Eren wonders. Levi stares at the girl and shakes his head, deciding not to ask.

Come with us please, she pleads. It's getting dark outside. And the cold makes me shiver! She complains. I want to stay warm!

Hanji sighs again and joins her side, staring at her apologetically.

Okay. I've lost track of time anyway. 

They start walking along the path leading to the park. Levi keeps glancing at Eren who hasn't said anything since the incident at the café. His thoughts wander from Eren to himself. What did that asshole say to hurt him so much? He wants to know more about that conversation and why Eren reacted the way he did. Was that all it took for him to snap completely?

Is he that important to me that he's breaking up with me?

And what's worse, how did it happen? Levi clenches his jaw in frustration. I can't believe that this happened in front of him. How dare he! How fucking dare he! Levi growls, gritting his teeth so harshly that they are practically crushing the plastic lid.

What exactly happened, Eren? The man asks impatiently, not wanting to wait any longer for his answer.

Well, let's start with the basics, shall we? Eren begins with a smile.

He's been trying to convince me to leave school and work full time with him.